DiData to move its entire operation to The Campus in August 2002

Dimension Data, a leading global technology services company, is to provide a complete infrastructure and networking solution for over 3 000 users at its new Bryanston headquarters - The Campus. The site is one of the largest Internet Protocol (IP) telephony sites in Southern Africa.

Dimension Data will roll-out the multimillion-rand network based on solutions and services that the company designs and implements for its clients; highlighting the group`s commitment to the offerings it delivers to customers.

The group will begin moving its South African Gauteng-based staff, currently at different locations around Johannesburg, to the new Campus as from August, with plans to complete the move by February 2003.

"The network is designed so that all data, video and voice applications run across a single network, using over 250 Cisco Catalyst switches," says Jeff Jack, technology marketing manager: Connectivity Services at Dimension Data.

"The converged network makes the overall system flexible, easier to manage and far more cost effective in the long-term than separate voice and data systems," says Jack.

"Total cost of ownership will be greatly reduced as we will require a streamlined IT support department to manage the network. This will enable us to now deploy the skills and expertise we would have otherwise required to maintain both voice and data networks, on other customer projects," he says.

The modular design of the IP network allows for simple upgrading for additional users. Extra IP-based applications, such as unified messaging and other productivity tools, will now also be available to Dimension Data staff on the new network.

The sophisticated system also brings effective "hot-desking" to Dimension Data`s workplace. "Users will be able to move between different points on the network without having to alter telephone extensions," says Jack.

Using Extension Mobility, users can log into any Cisco IP phone and their telephone extension and configuration profile will be available on the phone they have logged onto. Cisco`s IP phones can also be disconnected and then plugged into another network point while maintaining the same extension and configuration at the new workspace - ideal for the future hot-desking environment required by Dimension Data.

The group`s continued adoption and implementation of new technologies and its deployment of Cisco enterprise solutions in over 10 other African countries has recently resulted in Dimension Data SA winning the Eastern EMEA Global Partner of the Year Award from Cisco.

"Our strong support for - and belief in - Cisco`s leading technology is further emphasised through our adoption of the IP network in our own working environment," concludes Jack.